By Tricia Theurer, Communications and Marketing Specialist for University Relations

President Jay Barnes and alums from the Bethel Seminary class of 1962 gathered during Bethel Seminary's commencement weekend.

In June, Bethel University welcomed a special group to campus: alums from the seminary class of 1962, who were celebrating their 50th reunion. For some, this was the first time they had been on campus since they graduated.

The celebration began with a tour of the seminary campus, followed by a reunion dinner with President Jay Barnes, Executive Vice President and Provost David Clark, and Bethel Seminary St. Paul Interim Dean for the Faculty Jeannine Brown. At the reunion dinner, the eight alums and their wives had an opportunity to share their memories of their time at Bethel, as well as how God has been working in their lives the past 50 years.

Attendees included John and Barbara Anderson, Paul Gunther, Andy and Donna Husmann, Leonard and Marilyn Karlberg, Bill and Karin MacKinney, John and Dorie Oase, Adrian and Jan Sundberg, and Raymond and Bea Hunt.

The group was also invited to attend the communion service for the seminary Class of 2012, where John Anderson, Class of 1962, greeted the new graduates. During the next day’s commencement ceremony, President Barnes presented the alums with a special certificate, and Clark recognized them, noting that they “. . . represent 350 years of ministry and service since they graduated from Bethel Seminary in 1962.” He continued, “They have served in various ministerial roles, some of which include senior pastor, interim pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor, children’s pastor, visitation pastor, chaplain, missionary, development officer, and executive minister.”

He added, “These graduates have served in a number of locations throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, California, Missouri, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Thailand, and Brazil. Please join me in thanking each of these 50-year graduates and their spouses for their years of service and growing the kingdom of God.”